Pakistan is located on the Indian Subcontinent. Slightly less than twice the size of California, Pakistan is bordered by Iran and Afghanistan to the west, China to the north, India to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the south.

An unpredictable government, coupled with a series of natural disasters (including the historic floods of 2010), has severely impoverished the rural regions of the country.

Pakistan's military (one of the world’s largest) is one of the biggest employers in the country. However, the primary means of income-generation for many Pakistanis is still agriculture. Cotton, wheat, and rice are important crops. The cotton is used in the textile industry to produce clothing and linens, two of Pakistan’s most important exports.

Plan works with more than 21,000 children and families in close to 100 communities in Pakistan, focusing on improving health care and education as well as promoting the rights of children. Except in emergency situations, Plan does not provide direct assistance. Instead, we help communities develop, grow and, ultimately, support themselves.

Hear from the children

An essential part of Plan's work is empowering children to discuss the issues that matter to them and to take part in decisions that affect their lives. To help you learn about these issues, the children in Plan communities have put together a series of publications called "See Our World": Read what the children have to say about their lives.